UPDATE 1-Boeing wins $1.1 billion deal to support US C-17s

Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:21am GMT
 
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(Adds background, developments in London)

WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N) won a contract on Monday valued at $1.1 billion to support the U.S. Air Force's fleet of C-17 transport planes, more good news for one of Boeing's biggest aircraft programs.

British Defense Secretary John Hutton said on Monday that Britain was looking to buy more C-17 Globemaster cargo planes, due to recent militant attacks on the main land supply route through Pakistan for Western forces in Afghanistan.

Hutton also expressed concern about news from Airbus parent EADS (EAD.PA) that its A400M military transport plane would not be ready before 2012 and said Britain could not accept a three to four year delay in the delivery of the plane.

Boeing spokesman Jerry Drelling declined comment on any potential orders or talks with Britain about additional C-17 sales, saying such matters were confidential.

"Potential C-17 customers will announce their intentions on their own timetable," he said.

Officials at Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), which makes the smaller C-130J transport aircraft, last week said the A400M delay could result in dozens of additional orders for C-130s.

Boeing said the C-17 contract announced on Monday was part of an existing C-17 Globemaster sustainment contract.

Boeing spokeswoman Lori Moore said the contract would cover C-17 total systems support, including spare parts and managing the Air Force's inventory of C-17 parts, depot maintenance work, field support, and modifications.  Continued...

 

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